Recently South Australian State Government announced that 18 high demanding occupations including Cooks and Hairdressers are included on their SNOL (State Nomination Occupation List). This means Cooks and Hairdressers with a positive full skill assessment and IELTS 6.0 in each band might be eligible for Skilled Nominated visas such as subclass 190 (Permanent) and 489 (Temporary).

Several years ago, Cooks and Hairdressers were removed from SOL (Skilled Occupation List). These occupations remained in the CSOL (Consolidated Skilled Occupation List), therefore people still can apply for 457 visa and/or ENS or RSMS. Currently SA, NT and TAS governments are nominating both occupations for subclasses in Australia.

Note: This table only described whether Cook and Hairdressers are on State Nomination Occupation List in each State or Territory. Each State or Territories has different English and work experience criteria therefore this table itself does not guarantee successful State Nomination at all.

Unfortunately, Nominated pathways requires full skill assessment, therefore people who holds provisional skill assessment or skill assessment for 457 is not eligible for this pathway.

Those people who holds subclass 489 is allowed to remain in Australia maximum 4 years. Within 4 years, if they meet the requirements, they can apply for subclass 887 which is permanent resident visa. Basically, they need to remain in the Sponsored State at least 2 years and work over 35 hours per week for 52 weeks.

If you would like to find out whether you are eligible for either 489 or 190, please contact us to 08 7225 5091 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an initial consultation. 

New Resources are available on the ANMAC website to assist applicants and Registered Migration Agents to prepare skills assessments for Enrolled Nurses.

This is in response to the large number of applications and resulting delays in processing times of skills assessments, which can be in excess of 16 weeks or more.

ANMAC has release the following statement:

“New resources to assist with the submission of supporting documents for migration skills assessments

Background

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) assesses the skills of nurses and midwives who want to migrate to Australia under the General Skilled Migration Program. We are the independent assessing authority authorised by law to conduct these assessments by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).

Situation analysis

ANMAC continues to review the migration skills assessment process and implement Quality Improvement strategies. An unprecedented increase in application numbers during the past 12 months has created an additional administrative burden on ANMAC assessors especially where the submission includes incorrect supporting documents and incomplete applications.

A project was undertaken to review of documents submitted for migration skills assessments.

The review revealed common errors among applicants and/or agents with the supporting documentation submitted for an assessment.

Common errors include:

·         Incorrect registration certificates (from Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere in the

world.

·         Misunderstanding the declaration and photograph requirements on the cover letter.

·         Not submitting graduation certificates.

·         Submission of professional references that do not meet ANMAC requirements.

·         Enquiries relating to the process for requesting a certificate of registration status (CoRS) from the Australian Health Practitioner regulation Agency (AHPRA).

New resources available

To continue to process applications in a timely manner, ANMAC has included information and examples for providing the correct supporting documents on the International Services resources page of the website. Applicants and agents are encouraged to use these support tools when gathering supporting documents for migration skills assessments. This will allow the applicant and/or their nominated agent to review the requirements for each document before resubmitting the application.

ANMAC provides specific advice to assist agents and their clients in gathering only the required documents for the skills assessment process. Upon completion of the online application an email is sent to the applicant/agent that has a link to the ANMAC supporting documents information. The new resources will complement the checklists emailed to applicants and/or agents at the completion of the online application.

This project is the latest in a number of developments already undertaken by ANMAC to improve assessment times, including:

·         New website that incorporates a more user friendly interface and articulates

assessment information succinctly.

·         New database to improve information storing and reporting.

·         Increasing number of assessors and support staff.

·         Increasing attendance at Migration Institute of Australia continuing professional development sessions and other stakeholder events to inform agents of ways to minimise barriers to their clients’ assessment process.

·         Checklist for required documents to ensure only those required documents are provided.

·         New policy for returning applications with excessive documentation.

The new resources will reduce the unnecessary administrative burden on the ANMAC

assessors allowing for faster assessment times while ensuring that responsibility for the

submission of correct documents appropriately resides with the applicant and/or their

nominated agent. We appreciate your support and assistance with these new resources. “

The Resources are available through this link:

http://www.anmac.org.au/resources

Warning -This information is accurate on the 09 April 2014.  

DIBP and the State/Territory authorities can change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging a skills assessment or visa application. 

Sources:

http://www.anmac.org.au/resources

Do You Need Help in Relation to a Skills Assessment or visa application as a Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting with skills assessment to enable applications for skillselect subclass 189, 190 and 489 visas and Employer Nomination Scheme applications.

We can help you with state sponsorship and visa application as an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse.

For further information regarding skills assessments or your Australian visa options you contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091.

Or email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Immigration SA has added 18 new occupations t the State Occupation list including some very common occupations – Cook, Hairdresser, Customer Service Manager and Database Administrator.

This is a major change and provides opportunities for persons all over Australia and from overseas as well.

Please see the full text of the Immigration SA news release below:

“The South Australian Government, in collaboration with local industry, regularly conducts research to identify skill needs in the local labour market.

Immigration SA is the State Government agency responsible for international migration to South Australia.  We offer pathways to permanent residency for skilled migrants who have occupations that are in-demand.

South Australia’s occupation lists are live.  Any changes made to the lists are visible immediately, enabling you to see which occupations are currently available for state nomination.

The table below details eighteen new occupations added to the State Occupation list.

The new occupation lists

There are now two state nomination occupation list for South Australia:  the State Occupation list and the South Australian Graduate list.  

• Occupations on the State Occupation list are available to all applicants including South Australian international graduates.
• The South Australian Graduate list, previously known as the off list, is for graduates who have completed a Bachelor degree or higher in South Australia.
• The subscription functionality enables you to stay up to date with changes to the occupation lists and the news and events page as changes occur.
• The details of the relevant skills assessment authority for each occupation is now included in the lists.

Remember, to be eligible for state nomination applicants must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority for their nominated occupation.  Applicants must also meet all of the federal and state requirements for the visa being applying for.”

Warning -This information is accurate on the 08 April 2014.  

DIBP and the State/Territory authorities can change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging a skills assessment or visa application. 

Sources:

The Immigration SA website:

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news%20and%20events

Do You Need Help in Relation to a Skills Assessment or visa application for an occupation on the SA State Sponsorship list?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting with skills assessment to enable applications for skillselect subclass 189, 190 and 489 visas and Employer Nomination Scheme applications.

We can help you with state sponsorship and visa application for occupations including: Cook, Hairdresser, Customer Service Manager and Database Administrator

For further information regarding skills assessments or your Australian visa options you contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091.

Or email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa – Closure of ACT nomination program to overseas applicants for 2013/14

The ACT government has released to following information today:

"The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is pleased to announce that program targets for the Skilled- Nominated (subclass 190) visa have been met for the 2013/14 financial year.

Effective close of business today (25 March 2014), applications for ACT nomination from overseas residents will not be accepted.  If your clients are living overseas, they will not be able to apply for ACT nomination of a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa until the program reopens in July 2014.

If your clients are living in Canberra and working in a skilled occupation, they are still able to apply for ACT nomination of the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa providing  they meet the current nomination criteria."

Source: Migration and Information Services | Economic Development Directorate | ACT Government

This information isaccurate on the 25 March 2014.   State or Territory Nomination/Sponsorship bodies will change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Need Help?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experience in assisting applicants with the Expression of Interest, State Sponsorship and Visa application process for state sponsored subclasses 190 and 489.

If you require further information regarding an application or your Australian visa options you contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

The nomination ceiling is the limit of positions that a 457 sponsor is allowed to nominate under the 457 program. 

The PAM3 - Sponsorship applicable to Division 3A of Part 2 of the Act – Sponsorship was amended on 14 February 2014 to remove references to sponsorships ending on the event of the number of approved nominations (the nomination ceiling) being reached.

Policy relating to Reg 2.63(2) now refers only to the end date of approval of the sponsorship as the expiry of the approval.

Sponsorships approved after the 14 February 2014 will be able to keep making nominations, after the requested number of nominations has been reached, as long as the three year sponsorship approval is still valid.

Sponsorship approved before the 14 February changes will still be subject to the sponsorship ceilings, and will cease once the ceiling is reached.

Reaction from Interest Groups:

Various media have reported the change as the opening of a loophole or similar negative event.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/rort-fears-as-457-visa-loophole-reopened-20140311-34kgr.html

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/21937663/shorten-worried-about-flood-of-457-visas/

Commentary by Chris Johnston:

The removal of the Sponsorship ceiling does not mean that 457 visa applications and 457 sponsors will be without appropriate conditions and monitoring.

The nomination ceiling was only one of the many limitations and check that are part of the 457 process.  The 457 is still subject to many criteria designed to protect Australian workers and Australian wage standards.  These include that the salary for the nominated position must be above the TSMIT, which is currently $53,900.00.  Another protection is the requirement that the salary be at the Market Salary paid to equivalent Australian workers.

The Department of Immigration monitors 457 sponsors to make sure that the approved 457 conditions are met by the employer.    If breaches are found then sponsorship bars, sanctions and fines can be imposed.

The 457 ceiling has previously been introduced and then subsequently removed.  So the cycle of changes continues.

Sources:

http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/457.aspx

Migration Institute of Australia

Warning -This information is accurate on the 16 March 2014.  

DIBP will change visa requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Do you Need Help with a 457 visa?

If you require further information regarding a 457 application , either as an employer or an applicant, we can help you.

Contact us on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 The Government of Western Australia have recently released new criteria for WA state sponsorship for subclass 190 and 489 visas.

The following are significant changes to the criteria:

- English Requirements:

Managers and Professionals (Group 1 and 2 in ANZSCO)  who are on the WA State Migration Plan must obtain at least 7,7,7,7 in the IELTS or a minimum of all Bs on the OET test. Other groups of occupations still require just 6,6,6,6.

There are still English requirement exemptions those holding a UK, USA, Canada, Ireland or NZ passport.

- Work Experience Requirements:

 All applicants must meet the minimum work experience requirement of:

        ◦ at least one year of Australian work experience in the nominated (or closely related) occupation over the last ten years; or

        ◦ at least three years of overseas work experience in the nominated (or closely related) occupation over the last ten years; and

- Job Offered Required even for Offshore applicants:

If your occupation is on Schedule 2 of the WASMOL you must have a job offer for both a 489 and a 190 application, even if you are applying from overseas.

Source and Accuracy

Source: http://www.migration.wa.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/skilled_migration_criteria_2013-2014%20(4).pdf

This information is accurate on the 02 February 2014.  States and Territories will change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Need Help?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experience in assisting applicants with the Expression of Interest, State Sponsorship and Visa application process for state sponsored subclasses 190 and 489.

If you require further information regarding an application or your Australian visa options you contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

The DIBP has embarked on a campaign to inform students of the risks of changing from a streamlined course to a lower course. 

“Changing course advice for streamlined visa holders

If you want to change to a new course and you were granted a visa under the streamlined visa processing arrangements you must maintain enrolment in a streamlined visa processing eligible course (or package of courses) with an education provider participating in the arrangements.  ... ...

Important: If your new course is not with an education provider participating in the streamlined visa processing arrangements, read the information below about changing education providers.

If you enrol in a course (or package of courses) that is not eligible for streamlined visa processing, you no longer meet the criteria for which your visa was granted and may be considered for visa cancellation.”

From the DIBP Migration Blog:

“Moving from a university to a vocational education course

·         You must complete six months of the highest qualification course in which your visa was granted before changing courses with a different education sector.

·         You must obtain a new visa to study in a different educational sector.

Names of people and education providers in this story are fictional for the purposes of this case study.

Mandeep was enrolled with the Eucalyptus University to study a Bachelor of Accounting. She was granted a  Higher Education Sector (subclass 573) visa.

After commencing her bachelor degree, she was informed by a friend she could study her course faster and cheaper at a different institution. Mandeep thought this sounded like a good option as she wanted to get her degree as fast as possible. She thought she may have a problem with her visa if she changed her course.

Mandeep phoned the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to see if she could move to this cheaper institution. After confirming all the details of Mandeep’s case, the immigration officer told Mandeep her visa was granted under streamlined visa processing arrangements with the Eucalyptus University—if she changed to a non-streamlined education provider while holding a streamlined student visa, she may be in breach of a condition of her visa (condition 8516).

The immigration officer informed Mandeep that if she wanted to change education provider she would have to choose one of the following options:

·         transfer to another streamlined institution

·         remain in her current course and apply for a new student visa (after completing six months of her principal course) with a letter of offer or confirmation of enrolment from the new provider

·         depart Australia, request the voluntary cancellation of her student visa and then apply for a new student visa with a letter of offer or confirmation of enrolment from the new education provider.

Mandeep decided to move to the cheaper institution, regardless of the information she had found out about her visa. Shortly after, the department contacted her and issued a Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation for her student visa.

Mandeep responded to the notice and provided reasons why her visa should not be cancelled. The department considered her response and proceeded to cancel her student visa for breach of condition 8516.

Mandeep was upset and regretted not abiding by the conditions of her visa. Mandeep no longer held a visa to remain lawfully in Australia and made arrangements to return to her home country.”

Warning: This information is accurate on the 02 February 2014. 

DIBP will change visa requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Sources: https://www.immi.gov.au/Study/Pages/changing-courses.aspx

http://migrationblog.immi.gov.au/2014/01/14/changing-courses-changes-everything/

Comment by Chris Johnston, Migration Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent: 

The problem for many students is that this information campaign will be too late and they have already made the change and face student visa cancellation.

Options in this case may include applying for the correct visa prior to any cancellation occuring. 

Do You Need Help in Relation to Australian Visas?

If you require further information regarding Australian visa options you contact our offices on:

 (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Enrolled Nurse occupation status has changed on SA State Nomination List (SNOL) – the status is now ‘Special Conditions Apply’

Enrolled Nurse and SA State SponsorshipAvailability Downgraded to ‘Special Conditions Apply’ – effectively restricting sponsorship to SA Graduates

There has recently been a change to the ‘Availability Status’ of the occupation of Enrolled Nurse for SA state sponsorship.  The occupation availability has changed on the State Nominated Occupation List (SNOL). The status has been changed from ‘Low Availability’ to low availability.  

This change may be a concern for those who are looking for SA state sponsorship as a Enrolled Nurse.  The reason for concern is that it is only mid-way into the program year which started from 1 July 2013 and runs to 30 June 2014.  With the downgrade to ‘low availability’, Enrolled Nurse may at a later time be moved to the SA ‘Off-List’. The SA ‘Off-List’ is only available to SA graduates.

The special conditions apply criteria on the 26 January 2014 were as follows:

“South Australian international graduates currently residing in South Australia, interstate or offshore

South Australian international graduates must meet all state nomination requirements, as well as requirements 6.1 and either 6.2 or 6.3 depending on the qualification completed.

Occupations listed as “Special Conditions Apply” are available to:

6.1South Australian (SA) international graduates who studied at a South Australian institution.Applicants must have completed a CRICOS registered qualification in South Australia with a minimum duration of one academic year (CRICOS registered for a minimum of 46 weeks)

6.1.1Applicants currently residing in South Australia must have completed a Higher Education or Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification in South Australia.

OR

6.1.2Applicants currently residing offshore or interstate must have completed a Higher Education qualification (Bachelor Degree or higher) in South Australia.

Documents required: a copy of the academic transcript and a letter of completion from the institution.

6.2Graduates with a Higher Education Advanced Diploma, Bachelor Degree or higher, must meet one of the following:

6.2.1Currently working in a skilled occupation (minimum 30 hours per week) in South Australia. The skilled occupation must be ANZSCO level 1 to 4 and listed on the State Nominated Occupation List (SNOL) or Immigration SA’s current Offlist.

OR

6.2.2Have met the general work experience requirement as per nomination criteria 7. If an applicant is claiming Australian work experience, 50% of this must be South Australian work experience.

Documents required for work experience: A letter from the employer confirming commencement date, job title, duties and tasks, salary and number of hours worked per week.

Consideration will be given to applicants (currently residing in South Australia) who are a PhD or Masters by Research SA graduates who don’t meet work experience requirement 6.2.1 or 6.2.2. To be considered, applicants must have an IELTS of 7.0 in each band score or 7.5 overall.

6.3Graduates with a VET Diploma or Certificate must be currently working in a skilled occupation (minimum 30 hours per week) in South Australia. The skilled occupation must be ANZSCO level 1 to 4 and listed on the State Nominated Occupation List (SNOL) or Immigration SA’s current Offlist. Priority will be given to applicants based on length of employment in South Australia.”

If you meet the SA State Sponsorship criteria, you should consider apply for State Sponsorship as soon as possible, while the occupation is still available on the list.

Enrolled Nurse still open in Qld and NT

However, NT is still sponsoring EN for both 489 and 190. QLD is sponsoring EN for 489.

With other states closing or placing restrictions on the Enrolled Nurse sponsorship, this will lead to higher numbers of applications for Qld and NT. 

SA is still sponsoring however, the ‘special conditions apply’ status restricts access to SA graduates.

Warning -This information is accurate on the 26 January 2014.  

DIBP and the State/Territory authorities can change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging a skills assessment or visa application. 

Sources:

The Immigration SA website:

The State Nomination Occupation List (SNOL): https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/SNOL_data

The eligibility requirement for SA state sponsorship: https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/node/104

Do You Need Help in Relation to a Skills Assessment or visa application as a Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting with skills assessment to enable applications for skillselect subclass 189, 190 and 489 visas and Employer Nomination Scheme applications.

We can help you with state sponsorship and visa application as an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse.

For further information regarding skills assessments or your Australian visa options you contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091.

Or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Enrolled Nurse closed for ACT sponsorship for Australian Visas for this program year

ACT Government recently released an update on their website regarding Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Occupation List 2013-14.

http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/workspace/uploads/documents/act-occupation-list-2013-14-10-december-13.pdf

People who want to apply for subclass 190 or 489 visas need State Nomination from one or more State Governments.

Currently ACT is only nominating applicants for subclass 190 Only. In order to receive their Nomination, your occupation must be on their list and status should be still “open”.

The occupation of Enrolled Nurse was originally listed on their list however, due to high volume of application, this occupation is closed and no longer available until 30 June 2013.

However, this would highly likely be re-open for the ACT from 1^st July 2014.

Enrolled Nurse still open in SA, Qld and NT

However, NT is still sponsoring EN for both 489 and 190. QLD is sponsoring EN for 489.

SA is still sponsoring however, the availability is currently very low. Therefore if anyone would like to lodge their State Nomination to SA should be hurry.

Warning -This information is accurate on the 16 January 2014.  

DIBP and the State/Territory authorities can change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging a skills assessment or visa application. 

Do You Need Help in Relation to a Skills Assessment or visa application as a Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting with skills assessment to enable applications for skillselect subclass 189, 190 and 489 visas and Employer Nomination Scheme applications.

We can help you with state sponsorship and visa application as an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse.

For further information regarding skills assessments or your Australian visa options you contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091.

Or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

For this program year NSW is no longer an option for a subclass 190 Visa:

The NSW State Government has closed nomination for subclass 190 visas, providing the following information on their website:

“Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) – NSW nominations closed for 2013/14

NSW is pleased to announce that program targets for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) have been met for the 2013/14 financial year.  

Effective 24 December 2013, applications for NSW nomination for the subclass 190 visa will close. Applications received after this date will not be processed or returned. NSW will reopen for the subclass 190 visa nomination in July 2014. Information regarding 2014/15 applications will be posted on this website in July 2014.  

Thank you for your interest in migrating to NSW.  “

Try another Option:

If you are looking to migration to Australia, there is no need to despair, all other States and Territories are still sponsoring for Subclass 190 visas.

Source and Accuracy

Source: http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/live-and-work-in-nsw/visa-and-migration/skilled-sponsored-migration

This information isaccurate on the 06 January 2014.  States and Territories will change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Need Help?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experience in assisting applicants with the Expression of Interest, State Sponsorship and Visa application process for state sponsored subclasses 190 and 489.

If you require further information regarding an application or your Australian visa options you contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091